Market Prices Take a Dive
As Boxing Loses Its Luster

By

Ken Bensinger Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated July 23, 1999 12:11 a.m. ET

Not since Vincent van Gogh has a torn ear had such a dramatic effect on a collecting market.

Early in the third round of a heavyweight championship bout on June 28, 1997, Mike Tyson bit off the tip of Evander Holyfield's right ear. The sport hit rock bottom, and the market for boxing memorabilia has been on the canvas ever since.

"Mismanagement and scandal are killing the sport and the collecting hobby," says Don...